Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Iowa offensive lineman Connor Colby.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers’ lack of interior depth on the offensive line reared its ugly head during the Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
When Elgton Jenkins left the game due to injury, Travis Glover and Kadeem Telfort struggled to answer the bell with Jordan Morgan on injured reserve.
With Josh Myers potentially on his way out the door this offseason, Brian Gutekunst must address the interior of the offensive line. Connor Colby is a potential target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Iowa offensive lineman checks in at No. 87 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
An Iowa native, Colby finished his career at Iowa with 50 starts, including 11 starts as a true freshman in 2021.
“You don’t see many Big Ten starters with 50 starts to their name over four years,” Riley Donald, a writer for Hawkeyes Wire, said. “Connor Colby was a model of consistency and availability for Iowa. He was a steadying presence on the offensive line.”
During his time as a Hawkeye, Colby started 37 games at right guard, seven at left guard and six at right tackle. He offers versatility across all three positions in the interior and could kick outside to right tackle in a pinch.
Colby is quick out of his stance to get into his blocks and has a strong upper half. Colby was probably the top student in his geometry class in high school. He shows a great understanding of angles that help him find success as a run blocker. He shows good range and looks comfortable on the move.
“Colby was one of Iowa’s maulers up front,” Donald said. “This is where he can make a name for himself in the draft process. Colby was a mainstay for Kaleb Johnson, one of the nation’s best backs. His strength is in the run game.”
Colby is one of the more seasoned offensive linemen in the draft. He’s alert in pass protection and is a well-schooled lineman. He’s not the most gifted athletically. However, he’s a blue-collar worker who works hard to mirror in protection. According to Pro Football Focus, Colby gave up two sacks and 10 pressures this past season.
“He’s still a little raw in pass protection but that is a product of the offense he came from,” Donald said. “Iowa never was a drop-back pass team. Colby was a run blocker and play-action blocker. His pass blocking is adequate and good enough coming from Iowa with room to only get better with his 6-foot-6 frame.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers could be losing Myers to free agency this offseason and if the Packers don’t re-sign their starting center there will be some changes to the starting five.
If Myers isn’t re-signed Jenkins could move from left guard to center and Morgan could get the nod to start at left guard.
If that’s the case, the Packers will need to add an interior offensive lineman this offseason, and they’ll likely prioritize versatility.
During his time at Iowa, Colby showcased the ability to play both guard spots. With his ability to play both guard spots, Colby could be an attractive late Day 3 target for the Packers.
“Colby gives you some flexibility on your offensive line if you draft him,” Donald said. “He can play either guard, provide you backup at center, and be a swing lineman if needed. In today’s NFL, every team needs six to seven offensive linemen who can jump in at any time. Colby fits that mold.”
If it wasn’t evident before the Wild Card loss to the Eagles, it became crystal clear after that the Packers need to look to improve the depth along the offensive line. Colby would provide depth at both guard spots and could kick outside to tackle in a pinch.
With his versatility, ability as a run blocker and football IQ, Colby would be a valuable pick late on Day 3 for the Packers.
